Screening
Verify the Landlord Before You Pay
Scammers sometimes pose as landlords using real owners' names. Check county property records to see who owns the home, look up any management company yourself, and tour in person before handing over money. Sign a written lease before paying a deposit, and use a traceable payment method with a receipt.
Why this helps
Scams feel scary because they can look so real, even with a real owner's name on them. A written lease and a receipt give you something solid to hold onto if questions come up later.
Do this
- Check county property records to see who owns the home. It's a quick way to see whether the name you were given matches.
- Look up any management company yourself. That way you're checking the real thing, not just taking someone's word.
- Tour in person before you hand over money. Seeing the place with your own eyes tells you a lot.
- Sign a written lease before you pay a deposit. Then both sides know exactly what was agreed.
- Use a traceable payment, and keep the receipt. You'll have a record if you ever need one.
Next step
Pull up the county property records tonight and see whose name comes up. If something feels off, trust that feeling and keep asking questions.